It was almost amazing how long time could drag on. Winter had remained in the hospital for three weeks though it felt like months. Each minute crawled under her skin and days lasted weeks. At this point she was not ashamed to admit that she was eagerly anticipating her upcoming fate. Six days ago her mother came to visit, for the first time. They were so different. Winter was...softer in a way. No real muscle formed and 126 pounds. And she was short as hell. But her mother...was the complete opposite. Rigid, tall, and muscular. Thin lips set in a permanent scowl usually directed at her trouble maker of a daughter. She had a clear voice that rang out and stopped anyone to listen. The words she spoke were few but the impact was huge. "Once you're...better you'll be taking up residence in the mental insitution six miles away. You'll be released as soon as whatever this is had been fixed." Her mother left. The clicking of her heels filled the always empty hallway. No one else had visited. Was that bad? She didn't think so. At this point she had a reputation among the nurses. Winter had become so desperate for something to do that she had begun to do some of the nurses taxes. For a little money. But goddamnit all she was bored. Today was different though. Today she was going to that mental institution and leaving this horrible disease infested hospital. Her hypothermia was cured, and the infection was remotely gone. A nurse came in, this one she had nicknamed "big spender". Her taxes showed that she bought most of everything at the dollar store. Big spender picked her up and put Winter in a wheelchair. She could walk just fine but "we find it best to be safe rather than sorry." The air was crisp and clear. Leaves had begun to turn various shades of red orange and yellow. The beautiful scenery was wasted on winter. All that she saw was a white van with three words elegantly painted on the side. '' Trussville Mental Institution".
